LOCAL CONCERTS

Weekly at The Merc: Jazz at The Merc (7:30 p.m. Thursdays, $15), Country at The Merc (7 and 9 p.m. second and fourth Saturdays, $15), Classics at The Merc (3 p.m. Sundays, $12 adults and $5 students) and Cabaret at The Merc (6:30 p.m. last Sunday, $10-$20); The Merc, Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; (951) 308-6377, temeculatheater.org.

“In My Life: A Musical Theatre Tribute to the Beatles”: Abbey Road with special guests, Chaparral High School String Quartet; 7:30 p.m. today; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $27-$37; (951) 308-6377, temeculatheater.org.

“Broadway Show Stoppers”: By the OnStage Musicals Cabaret Pops Orchestra. Enjoy some of Broadway’s greatest hits as the 13-piece Cabaret Pops Orchestra performs tunes from classic musicals “Carousel,” “South Pacific,” “Cabaret,” “West Side Story,” “The King and I,” and “Oklahoma!” along with other Broadway favorites from the 1920s through the ‘60s. Professional Broadway performers Kim Huber, Roger Befler, and Richard Leibell will front the Cabaret Pops Orchestra; 2 p.m. Feb. 24; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $25-$37; (951) 308-6377, temeculatheater.org.

“Meet Me at the Copa: Latin Nights”: The All Star Big Band with the Copa Showgirl Dancers. Over the years, a who’s-who of performers took the stage at this New York landmark playing music from around the world. The Copa inspired the classic 1978 Barry Manilow song “Copacabana.” Enjoy an afternoon of legendary music from The Copa sung by Troy Clarke and Cassie Miller; 2 p.m. March 24; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $25-$37; (951) 308-6377, temeculatheater.org.

Lee Koch: Koch (pronounced “Cook”) has already risen to the top of the musical world and he began his journey in Temecula. After appearing on NBC’s “The Voice” last year, Koch hit the road for his next adventure. These days, you’ll find Koch and his band traveling around being “free from misery” and sharing their music with the world; 8 p.m. April 5; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $20; (951) 308-6377, temeculatheater.org.

“Seeing Red”: By the California Chamber Orchestra. We’ve all heard that “music hath charms to soothe the savage breast.” But just as often, music incites our passions. The finale of the orchestra’s season plays to the passionate side. Fred Benedetti joins the orchestra for a special performance; 7:30 p.m. April 6; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $25-$30 (paid adults or seniors can request two free tickets for ages 16 and younger; $10 student rush); (951) 308-6377, temeculatheater.org.

Third annual Onstage Jazz Festival: The festive atmosphere begins with The James Nation Trio playing jazz at 12:30 p.m. on the outdoor stage in the courtyard. OnStage Musicals has taken some of the finest musicians from the desert Inland Empire and Los Angeles and put them on the lineup: Yve Evans (vocalist and pianist), Brian Nova (guitarist with the Steve Miller Band), Rod Kolkolj (saxophonist), Babe Elefante (bassist), Joel Wenhardt (pianist), Steve Madio (trumpeter for Earth Wind and Fire), and Andy Fraga (pianist); 2 p.m. April 28; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $25-$37; (951) 308-6377, temeculatheater.org.

Montana Skies: Based in Atlanta, Montana Skies is a metaphor for musical freedom. This hypnotic, imaginative, and dynamic duo continue to follow their creative instincts far beyond traditional boundaries to play with deep passion. In concert, these award-winning musicians delve into music from Pink Floyd and Rush to Vivaldi and House of the Rising Sun, as well as their originals that have been featured everywhere from NPR to the Travel Channel; 8 p.m. May 3; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $20; (951) 308-6377, temeculatheater.org.

Quartet San Francisco: They’re a string quartet. A tango sensation. Jazz, bluegrass, and funk artists. They defy simple descriptions. And with Grammy nominations for their last three CD releases, they’re perfect for the classical series. Don’t let the variety of genres fool you; these four are serious musicians, and they’re passionate about offering their exclusive and groundbreaking performances to local, national, and international audiences in a variety of venues; 7:30 p.m. May 4; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $25-$30 (age 16 and younger free with accompanying adult, $10 student rush); (951) 308-6377, temeculatheater.org.

Elvis Lives — The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event: This national tour takes to the road via Producer’s On Stage Touring by special permission of Elvis Presley Enterprises and is endorsed and approved by Elvis’s Family. The multimedia, musical journey across Elvis’s life features film of some of Elvis’s most memorable live performances; 8 p.m. May 10; Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; (951) 779-9800, foxriversidelive.com, ticketmaster.com.

Stoney B Blues Band: Born in Chicago, Stoney B grew up listening and loving the blues from a young age. He has grown as an accomplished guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and recording artist of the blues. In 1982, Stoney B started the famed Stoney B Blues Band. He leads the group with his soulful licks, talented guitar playing, and dynamic vocal work described as able to express the feelings of the blues through his vocals and captivating style; 8 p.m. June 7; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $20; (951) 308-6377, temeculatheater.org.

Minneapolis Guitar Quartet: With passion, style, and musical sophistication borrowing from the best chamber music and string quartet traditions, the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet is one of the world’s leading guitar ensembles. Their concerts balance a dizzying array of repertoire from Renaissance and baroque to highly imaginative contemporary works. Flamenco dancer Colette Illarde will join the quartet, performing to music by Spanish composers Joaquin Rodrigo and Enrique Granados. Illarde’s choreography reflects the vitality of Spanish culture and includes Spanish regional and folk dancing, classical ballet, and flamenco; 7:30 p.m. June 8; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $25-$30 (age 16 and younger free with accompanying adult, $10 student rush); (951) 308-6377, temeculatheater.org.

Jimmy Dorsey Tribute Big Band: Take a trip down memory lane at this nostalgic tribute to the music of Jimmy Dorsey. Revel in Dorsey’s classic hits featuring Helen O’Connell such as “Amapola,” “Green Eyes,” “I Remember You,” and “Tangerine.” The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra began in the late 1930s and has continued successfully for decades and is still in great demand all over the world; 2 p.m. June 9; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $25-$37; (951) 308-6377, temeculatheater.org.

THEATER & DANCE

danceXchange: A monthly showcase presented in various settings at the theater to bring the local dance community together in celebration of the varied and eclectic dance community. No audition necessary. Interested dancers and choreographers with work ready to share should contact danceXchange.temecula@gmail.com to get into the performance. All types of work are accepted; 7 p.m. every third Tuesday; Courtyard area, The Merc or the theater at Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $5; (866) 653-8696, temeculatheater.org.

“On Golden Pond”: Presented by Temecula Valley Players. The loons are back again on Golden Pond and so are Norman Thayer, a retired professor, and Ethel who have had a summer cottage there since early in their marriage. This summer, their daughter Chelsea, whom they haven’t seen for years, feels she must be there for Norman’s birthday. She and her fiancée are on their way to Europe the next day but will be back in a couple of weeks to pick up the fiancé’s son. When she returns, Chelsea is married and her stepson has the relationship with her father that she always wanted. Will father and daughter be able to communicate at last?; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7-9, 14-16 and 2 p.m. Feb. 10 and 17; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $10-$25; (866) 653-8696, temeculatheater.org.

“Mary Stuart”: The production probes themes of political corruption and religious conflict as it dramatizes the struggle of Mary, Queen of Scots, to gain her freedom from Queen Elizabeth I after 18 years of imprisonment; 7 p.m. Feb. 15-17, Feb. 22-24; Europa Village, 33475 La Serena Way, Temecula; $15-$25; shakespeareinthevines.org.

Readers Theater in The Merc: “The Sunset Limited” by Cormac McCarthy; 7 p.m. March 27; The Merc, Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $10; (866) 653-8696, temeculatheater.org.

“Fiddler On the Roof”: The Tony Award-winning musical that has captured the hearts of people all over the world with its universal appeal embarks on its 2012-13 North American Tour. “Fiddler” is Broadway’s 15th longest-running show in history; 7:30 p.m. March 28; Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; $25-$75; (951) 779-9800, foxriversidelive.com, ticketmaster.com.